Hands-on civic action, led by youth
YouCAN engages youth in civic action through a variety of hands-on initiatives. These activities aim to empower young people to be active participants in improving their communities.
Reporting neighborhood issues
Documenting local issues — litter, potholes, and other neighborhood concerns — and routing them to city agencies through accessible reporting tools.
Organizing donation drives
Running drives for food banks, shelters, and other nonprofits — including past collections of clothing, shoes, and household items for those experiencing homelessness, and food donations for local food banks.
Facilitating resident connections
Creating meaningful connections between residents and the community service organizations built to help them.
Promoting civic awareness
Encouraging volunteerism and active civic participation among young people across our community.
These activities aim to empower young people to be active participants in improving their communities.
Check out some of my published articles:
https://alachuachronicle.com/letter-why-gainesville-needs-a-youth-civic-liaison-program/
https://www.alligator.org/article/2026/05/youth-civic-engagement
https://www.alligator.org/article/2026/07/further-steps-yclp
https://alachuachronicle.com/letter-why-gainesville-and-alachua-county-need-a-collaborative-civic-engagement-technology-tool/
YouCAN (Youth Civic Action Network) Project 